GJM support base sliding as quickly as it had surged: Khati

Kalimpong,Pradip Lohagun: ABGL general secretary Pratap Khati has said the lack of sincerity among GJM leaders toward the statehood issue is the main reason for the slide in support the party is witnessing at present.

Speaking today with reporters here, he said, “The ABGL has reiterated time and again the support base of the GJM will fall as quickly as it had surged. It has eventually bowed before the state government. Morcha leaders have fulfilled their selfish interests while the people are left with nothing in their hands. We should never forget that all that glitters is not gold. Individuals not worthy of becoming leaders were pushed into the limelight by the people. Now, even the tripartite meeting supposedly scheduled on October 23 has lost all importance.”

The ABGL general secretary further said, “The GJM has always indulged in politics of violence. They murdered our leader and attacked us in order to suppress our party, but we did not change our stance. All we want is Gorkhaland, the single aspiration of all the hill people. Statehood is our democratic right and an honest leadership is a must to achieve it. Several anti-Gorkhaland parties are active today and this does not augur well for our cause. People should not become complacent but remain consistent in their demand as a lot of patience is needed for the Gorkhaland dream to become reality.”

Further, he termed the ongoing trend of GJM leaders joining the TMC as unfortunate, saying such a move by pro-Gorkhaland individuals is not good. He said the Trinamool is the most powerful anti-Gorkhaland group today and those who have joined it prove they are self-centered to the core. “Those utterly sincere toward the statehood cause will not make such a move,” remarked Khati, adding if the ABGL were to get the people’s mandate, it would work with added vigour for achieving Gorkhaland.

The ABGL leader went on with his tirade against the GJM and also included the GJAC constituents. He said, “We knew from the beginning Bimal Gurung was faking and that he would settle with the state government for the GTA. During one of the GJAC meetings he even said the joint forum was his ‘crown’. This was why we quit from the GJAC. We also doubt whether the Gorkhaland Task Force can achieve anything substantial after the failure of the GJAC. Our brothers have a habit of frequently changing strategies.”

UGRF accuses state govt of ‘mocking democracy’

 

After maintaining silence for some time, the United Gorkha Revolutionary Front today slammed the state government over its highhanded attitude towards the hills.

Talking to reporters here, UGRF deputy chief Rudra Acharya accused the state government of disrespecting the Constitution by making a mockery of democracy in the hills. Citing a recent statement made by chief minister Mamata Banerjee, he said, “The chief minister’s statement that ‘the issue of democracy doesn’t arise and Bengal will not be divided’ makes it clear democratic machinery is lacking in the state and feudal oppressors still exist.”

According to the UGRF leader, the entire state administration has gone corrupt and the chief minister has adopted the policy of divide and rule regarding the hills.

He also accused the GJM of being run by corrupt individuals. “The hills are the centre of the statehood agitation but sadly the leaders are corrupt making the whole environment likewise. Such a corrupt environment gives birth to opportunists and we get deviated from the main issue. We must put to end such distorting politics,” urged Acharya.

Further, the UGRF leader accused the GJM of making secret pacts with the state government. “The GJM has secretly joined hands with the government,” he claimed. “It knows funds and facilities to the GTA will flow only if it establishes friendly relations with the government. The latter is also luring GJM leaders by enticing them with money and also using GJM intellectuals to curb the general demand for a separate state.”

Acharya added it is now well nigh impossible for the GJM to restart the statehood agitation.